USWR Launches the Iranian National Genome Center

The University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR) has run the Iranian National Genome Center, also known as Iranome, in Tehran on Jan. 16.

According to the university’s website, genomes of 800 Iranian adults over 35 years have been sequenced in the project. The data will be uploaded on the website Iranome.ir, which will be accessible to all.

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology is used at Iranome, which allows scientists to sequence DNA and RNA more speedily and inexpensively than previous methods. Using the technology, millions or billions of DNA strands can be sequenced simultaneously.

“Iranome will provide scientists with data for detecting genetic mutation trends that can cause ailments and for finding cures,” Professor Hossein Najmabadi, the project’s director, was quoted as saying.

“The center’s main mission is to detect disease-causing genes that lead to musculoskeletal disorders, mental weakness and deafness,” said Mohammad Kamali, the university’s chancellor.

The chancellor added that globalization and collaboration with international academic centers must top the agenda of local universities.